The Boat Guy explores a bit of Hawaiian culture here in the Pacific Northwest. Chip and his cohort Sam visit an Hawaiian outrigger canoe regatta on Greenlake in Seattle, WA. Despite the early morning start, Chip learns about an especially tight and welcoming community among the many diverse boating cultures in the Northwest. "I'll let you in on a little secret. The best thing about boats, really, is the people... being with and interacting with people. Sure, there are those rare solo sailors who circumnavigate the world alone or an individual who enjoys the solitude of being out in her boat by herself sometimes. I enjoy that too. A few hours alone in my pelican sailboat is great every once in a while. But, I find the real joy of boating, is that it brings me together with family and friends. Boating can also become an instant bond with a stranger who wants to chat about my boat, or talk about the weather or where I'm headed, or perhaps lend me a hand landing my boat. Sometimes that first boating interaction with a stranger leads to a long and lasting friendship. Think about this... how often do people wave to you while you are driving your car, simply being friendly or acknowledging your existence? Never! It's different in a boat, boating has a real sense of community and that is something I think we are lacking these days. When it comes to boating communities, I have to say that the people who race outrigger canoes here in the Northwest are absolutely one of the nicest, most friendly, welcoming group of people I have encountered in boating, or anyplace for that matter. They work extremely hard to be better, stronger, and faster, but they seem to work the hardest at being a team, a real team, and not in name only. They care about each other and they care about the other teams and the culture that gave birth to this form of boat and this kind of competition. Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing includes all ages, from people in their 80's to the community's young children, and everyone in between. Women and children are a very high priority within the group and women take a big role in the leadership, both in and out of the boats. I like that. These people seemed to have found something even more valuable than boats and boating competition. They found a culture that fosters community, fellowship, and respect. Outrigger enthusiasts are a group dedicated to teaching and nurturing the values of an island culture that we could all learn a lot from. I always say, "It aint about the boat, it's about the float!" Well, when it comes to this group, it's also about the real meaning of community, about caring for each other and respecting longstanding values that you just don't see many places anymore." Aloha! Chip Hanauer, The Boat Guy

• published: 04 Oct 2013
• views: 370